Packing box



March 3, i936 L. R. HAGOPIAN PACKING Box` Filed June 22, 1952 INVENTOR.

LEVON R. HAGOPIAN.

. i f /I ATTORNEY.

FIG. 3.v

Patented Mar. 3, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to packing boxes and more particularly to boxes for packing perishable fruits, such as grapes.

Among the objects of the invention is to provide for central division and ventilation of the contents of the box.

Another object is to provide against the shifting and crushing of the contents in handling and `transporting the packed boxes.

A further object is to provide a simple, inexpensive and easily applied partition in the oonventional boxes in this class.

In the present disclosure the invention will be described with particular reference to the packing and transportation of grapes. Because of their structural delicacy, grapes are easily unstemmed and crushed, and because of the relatively large quantity of sweet juice, they are subject to rapid deterioration in the presence of fermenting juices due to fruit that may be crushed in transit.

In this specification and the accompanying drawing, the invention is disclosed in its preferred form. It is to be understood, however, that it is not limited to this form, because it may be embodied in other forms within the spirit of the invention as defined in the claim following the description.

In the accompanying one sheet of drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View looking into a packing box embodying this invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the same, taken across its length.

Fig. 3 is a plan view from above of the fiber pad to be inserted into a modied box, as in Fig. 1.

In detail the construction illustrated in the drawing, referring to Fig. 1, comprises the conventional wooden fruit box, having the ends I I, the sides 2 2, and the bottom 3 4, all securely nailed together in the usual manner. The top, not shown, is placed across the length of the box and nailed to the ends I I, which are thicker than the sides. This box may be of any shape, size or material and is conventional in every way except for the notches 5 6 in o-ne or both ends I I of the box. These notches may be any desired shape.

The present invention resides more particularly in the notched ends of the box in combination with a cellulate ber board pad. This pad is scored or creased on the upper side at 1 8 and on the under side at 9 III, which facilitates easy bending to form the central channel rib I I which registers with the notches 5 6 and forms a central partition across the length of the box. The

walls I3, I4, I5 of this partition are provided with the slots I3', I4', I5' at intervals to act as ventilating passages communicating with the interior of the rib I I and the notches. 5 6.

The planes I6-I'I of the pad lie flat upon the bottom boards 3 4 of the box. This pad acts as a cushion to support the Weight of the fruit packed in the box and to protect it from` the puncturing splinters that may be upon the surface of the shook of which the boxes are made. The pad has the further advantage that it absorbs any juices that may result from ruptured fruit.

In placing the pads in the box the operator grasps the plane I1 of the pad and thrusts it into the box so that the edge of the opposite plane I6 strikes the inner side 2 of the box. This buckles the pad along the creases 'I to I0 and automatically forms the rib partition II, when the pad is pressed down to the bottom of the box. The pads are supplied in ilat bundles and the operation of placing them in the boxes is very easy and rapid.

The grapes X, or other produce, are packed into the box in the usual manner, on each side of and above the pad and partition I I, and the lid nailed in place. The pack being thus divided centrally by the cushioning partition, is protected against lateral crushing when the boxes are handled roughly in stacking them in transportation vehicles, and when such vehicles are suddenly stopped and started, as in handling freight trains.

There are certain rules and regulations in loading fruit boxes togain the maximum air circulation among the boxes. This invention increases the amount of ventilation with respect to the contents of the boxes by providing the air passages through the notches 5 6, the channel I I and the lateral openings I3 to I5' leading through the center of the box pack.

In certain fruit packs it is the practice to pack the top laye/r first and nail the bottom of the box on last. This reverse pack can be accomplished in the present instance by first nailing the lid onto the box; packing the first layer with selected fruit, filling the box about half full; inserting the pad with the channel down; then filling in below the planes I6 I1; and then nailing on the bottom 3 4. When the lid is removed, the top layer of fruit presents a most attractive appearance. 'Ihis reverse pack is practiced with the higher grades of fruit and justies the slight additional labor. The ultimate result is the same so far as the operation of this invention is concerned.

The notches -5-6 are incidental to the functioning of the channel Il and may be dispensed with in open crates and similar boxes wherein ventilation can reach the pack through this chan-A nel.

Having thus described this invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

In combination with a box having an opening in the bottom thereof; a pad of sheet material resting upon said bottom and folded upward to form a hollow partition open at the bottom above the opening in the bottom of said box.

LEVON' R. HAGOPIAN. 

